Communicating Vessel Volume Measurement for Precise Refill Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines face precision issues with liquid level measurement, often indicating the need to refill when insufficient liquid is available for smaller recipes, due to imprecise minimum level sensors and the difficulty for users to visually assess water content in tanks.
Innovation Solution
A measurement device using two communicating vessels, a main vessel and a reference vessel, where the pump extracts liquid from both until the reference vessel is empty, allowing calculation of the liquid volume based on the time taken and flow rate, utilizing a simple minimum level sensor and control unit to determine if the liquid is sufficient for brewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a minimum level sensor is used to detect liquid level, then the system can signal when the tank needs refilling, but the measurement precision is insufficient and causes false refilling indications
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the liquid volume measurement into two segments: a main tank for bulk storage and a reference tank for precise measurement. The reference tank is connected to the main tank via a communication channel, allowing liquid level equalization. This segmentation enables the simple minimum level sensor in the reference tank to indirectly measure the liquid volume in the main tank with high precision, avoiding the need for complex sensors in the main tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference tank acts as an intermediary between the main tank and the minimum level sensor. Instead of placing the sensor directly in the main tank where precise measurement is difficult, the sensor is placed in the reference tank which communicates with the main tank. The reference tank translates the liquid volume information from the main tank into a measurable liquid level that the simple sensor can detect accurately.
2Reliability
If the minimum level sensor is located at the minimum liquid level for the largest recipe, then the system can prevent the pump from running dry, but it incorrectly indicates refilling is needed for smaller recipes
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the functions of bulk liquid storage and precise volume measurement by using two tanks. The main tank stores the bulk liquid while the reference tank (with smaller capacity) provides precise measurement feedback. This allows the system to accurately determine when liquid volume is insufficient for any recipe size, not just the largest one, enabling reliable pump operation and accurate refilling indications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being measured from absolute liquid level (which is fixed for the largest recipe) to liquid volume (which can be precisely calculated based on the reference tank level and communication channel geometry). This parameter change allows the system to provide accurate refilling indications for any recipe size while maintaining reliable pump operation.
3Measurement precision
If expensive sophisticated measurement devices are used to precisely measure liquid volume, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing costs increase disproportionately
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using an expensive sensor to directly measure liquid volume in the main tank, the system creates a copy of the liquid level information in the reference tank. The reference tank replicates the liquid level from the main tank through the communication channel, allowing a simple and inexpensive minimum level sensor to measure the copied level information with high precision, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces expensive sophisticated measurement devices with a simple, inexpensive minimum level sensor in the reference tank. The reference tank itself acts as a disposable or replaceable component that enables precise measurement without requiring costly sensors, making the overall system more cost-effective while maintaining high measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise measurement of liquid volume in the main vessel, preventing unnecessary refills and ensuring sufficient liquid for brewing, while being cost-effective and easy to implement, allowing accurate calculation of liquid volume without the need for expensive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a main vessel (12) for receiving a liquid; a reference vessel (14) which has a smaller volume than the main vessel, wherein the main vessel (12) and the reference vessel (14) are fluidly connectable to each other as communicating vessels
Implementation Method 2
a pump (16) which is connected to the main vessel (12) and the reference vessel (14) for extracting liquid from the main vessel (12) and the reference vessel (14)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a measurement device (10) for measuring a volume of liquid contained in a vessel, comprising: -a main vessel (12)for receiving a liquid; -a reference vessel (14) which has a smaller volume than the main vessel (12), wherein the main vessel (12) and the reference vessel (14) are fluidly connectable to each other as communicating vessels; -a pump (16) which is connected to the main vessel (12) and the reference vessel (14)for extracting liquid from the main vessel (12) and the reference vessel (14); -aminimum level sensor (26) which is configured to send a reference signal if a minimum liquid level within the reference vessel (14) is reached; -a first valve (20, 20')via which the reference vessel (14) is fluidly connected to the pump (16), wherein thefirst valve (20, 20') is configured to be closed off if the minimum liquid level within the reference vessel (14) is reached; and -a control unit (30) which is connected to the minimum level sensor (26, 26') and the pump (16) and configured to measure a reference time between an activation of the pump (16) and a receipt of the reference signal, wherein the control unit (30) is further configured to calculate, based on the reference time and a flow rate of the pump (16), a liquid volume within the main vessel (12) and/or a total liquid volume within the main vessel (12) and the reference vessel (14) together.